Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

pukka sahib

American  

noun

  1. (in British India) a term of respectful address used to British colonial authorities.


Etymology

Origin of pukka sahib

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Once more the Union Jack fluttered over Delhi's posh Roshanara Club, while pukka sahib types bowled on the cricket pitch.

From Time Magazine Archive

Born of sturdy British middle-class stock in Rangoon, where his father was a pukka sahib in His Majesty's civil service, Peter Townsend was brought back to England at the age of four.

From Time Magazine Archive

As photographers flashed and popped, they noted that Acheson's mustache had been clipped down from its usual pukka sahib proportions.

From Time Magazine Archive

Dean Gooderham Acheson, now 55, is a tall, tweedy mixture of dignity and good humor, and by no means as stuffy as his pukka sahib mustache makes him look.

From Time Magazine Archive

“What,” asked Dr. Constantine with interest, “does a pukka sahib mean?”

From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "pukka sahib" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com